Kamloops, BC—The Kamloops Centre for the Arts is one step closer to reality as City Council reinforced their commitment to building the community through the implementation of the Recreation Master Plan. At the February 6, Regular Council Meeting, Council approved a recommendation from the Build Kamloops Council Select Committee to authorize $7 million in funding to complete the validation and detailed design phase of the Kamloops Centre for the Arts, resulting in a Class A estimate for the project.

The Build Kamloops Council Select Committee has identified the Kamloops Centre for the Arts as the first priority for the Build Kamloops program due to the long-standing need in the community for such a venue and the advance state of readiness of the project.

Earlier in the meeting, local philanthropist Ron Fawcett presented the updated conceptual design for the Kamloops Centre for the Arts, the result of over ten years of engagement, dedication, and significant investment to better the community. The Fawcett’s investment has saved the taxpayers millions of dollars and provides an excellent framework to proceed to the next steps.

“This next phase will get us certainty on timelines and costs, which will allow us to build out the financing model,” said Deputy CAO Byron McCorkell. “A shovel-ready project will allow us to apply for grants, seek other funding sources, and determine the level of investment we’ll need as a city to make this a reality.”

Build Kamloops is a multi-year, multi-phase visionary program to keep pace with our recreation and leisure needs as Canada’s third fastest-growing city. Kamloops has grown by 20,000 residents since we chose to become Canada’s Tournament Capital and invest in our recreational infrastructure over 20 years ago. Kamloops is expected to grow twice as fast in the next 10 years, welcoming another 20,000 new residents by 2035.

Kamloops is growing; Build Kamloops is about being deliberate and purposeful in planning for the growth of our community. Share your vision of what Kamloops could be as it grows at LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/BuildKamloops and subscribe to stay up to date on the Kamloops Centre for the Arts and all other Build Kamloops activities.